https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:06:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721710 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:29:42 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1721710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love cardigans and blazers. I like to be able to wear a print blouse underneath these pieces.</p> <p>I wear the blazers more in transitional seasons because I find it uncomfortable to pile on under a winter coat. Ponte and knit jackets are another story, because they are easier.</p> <p>New purchase below. I got navy. But I almost want the gray one, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721700 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:09:09 +0000 crazyone 1721700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear both, but I'm probably more of a blazer girl at heart (though like Lisa, I don't wear them in the summer time--I wear lightweight cardigans that can roll up and be put away easily). &nbsp;I'm weird in that I don't think of blazers as particularly *formal*/office-y--lots of office workers wear cardigans whereas Kim Kardashian always wears blazers with her ripped jeans. &nbsp;I do think of them as more consciously "fashion-y" in that regard--since they provide more structure they can do more interesting things in an outfit. &nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I have difficulty wearing cardigans over full sleeved blouses and dresses due to sleeve bunching issues, so I basically *have* to wear blazers or other jacket toppers on top during much of the winter.</p> <p>I do not wear blazers at home though--in general I don't wear toppers at home, unless it's a pullover type sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721692 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 20:52:00 +0000 Aida 1721692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have gone the other way over the years, though I was never a huuuuge cardigan gal to begin with. I'm not really a "third piece" gal at all! But certainly prefer jackets, and wovens at that. Not necessarily blazers even though they used to be a signature thing -- definitely more swing towards motos now and just generally interesting "jackets". These days I have only two cardigans (one summer, one winter) which are both quite dramatic, plus one that I only wear buttoned up as a sweater that will likely be passed on soon as I'm not really wearing it. Working from home I skip all toppers period, soft or otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721690 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 20:50:38 +0000 Anonymous 1721690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>El Cee -- your slippers are adorable. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721627 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:14:58 +0000 El Cee 1721627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, <b>Sterling</b>... I know those "unguarded moments" of which you speak. I will also be the first to admit that I have some unsightly and matronly "house sweaters" that I keep around because "oh so cozy!". And, for added style quotient, I pair them with my fuzzy duck slippers. I recall someone (Mo?) had a thread a while back where we discussed the secret stuff we wear behind closed doors... and how we all wanted to upgrade our comfy capsules.</p> <p>The thing about Chico's -- they do tend to be "maximalist" with regard to their displays and, yes, with some of their prints. It is hard to pull this look off unless you have the style persona that can handle the look (think Iris Apfel). I myself am rather maximalist, but I will admit the look can be easily "overdone"... and, perhaps, aging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721617 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:47:20 +0000 Anonymous 1721617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can always spot matronly during unguarded moments when I see myself unexpectedly in a mirror or window.&nbsp; I definitely have some cardigans that&nbsp;suggest a matronly look (but they are crazy comfortable).&nbsp; I wear them at home and on weekends.&nbsp; </p> <p>So on a side note.&nbsp; I was at the mall yesterday and I was shocked at how matronly some of the window displays looked at Chico's.&nbsp; I don't see how that could be a selling point.&nbsp; I tried to decipher exactly what made those displays look so matronly.&nbsp; Two things stood out to me:&nbsp; the overdone prints and the excessively large necklaces.&nbsp; No single piece in and of itself was wrong, it might have been the combination of multiple over-the-top pieces in a single outfit.&nbsp; Taken as a whole, the outfits screamed "look at me desperation."&nbsp; That shouldn't necessarily mean matronly.&nbsp;&nbsp;But it did.&nbsp; It really did.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721575 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:28:11 +0000 RobinF 1721575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore suits for years in my early career, I'm an accountant and it was expected, but now much prefer cardigans. They are so much more comfortable for me plus where I work now is very casual and I would feel overdressed in a blazer. I hope they don't look frumpy, I think like anything else they go in and out of style but there is always some version that is more stylish than others. I do have a few knit blazers but it is my cardis that I reach for every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721568 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:03:03 +0000 Suz 1721568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Maggie</b>, I layer my winter coats over blazers often. Also over leather jackets. For what it is, I have a square but narrow (i.e. not deep) shoulder line. (That is, my shoulders are widely spaces and not sloping but my arms are not thick).&nbsp;</p> <p>I simply buy the coats in a size that accommodates my blazers fitting underneath. I try everything on with layers.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721566 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:59:40 +0000 Sara L. 1721566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear more cardigans than blazers.&nbsp; I have a couple knit blazers that I wear fairly often in the winter though.&nbsp; I wear cardigans on the weekends because they feel more casual and comfy.&nbsp; A blazer feels stuffy for hanging around the house and running errands with kids.&nbsp; My office is pretty casual so I tend to dress down my blazers by wearing them with graphic tees.&nbsp; I agree that cardigans have to be styled somewhat carefully to avoid looking matronly/frumpy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721563 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:57:41 +0000 Meggie 1721563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great conversation! I love blazers. Works well giving volume to my tiny shoulders. My big challenge is it's hard to wear a winter coat over a blazer. Therefore, blazers are a Fall staple for me. When the winter parka comes out, the blazers goes away. &nbsp;Any suggestions for layering outerware &nbsp;over blazers appreciated.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721557 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:44:03 +0000 El Cee 1721557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sterling</b> -- I was thinking about your comment (a sentiment shared by others) that cardigans can sometimes feel matronly. I often feel this way too. After analyzing this a bit, I realize that <b>for me</b>, the more structured shoulder of a jacket or blazer offsets a bit the softness and curviness of my hourglassy body. Most cardigans will not do this for me. I have an ample bust and fairly broad shoulders -- but they are softly rounded and not angular or sharp. If I wear something that overly accentuates this roundedness, I feel matronly. I may not "look" it... but I definitely "feel" it. The cardigans that work best for me have very defined shoulders. Ditto for the knit jackets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721536 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:59:48 +0000 Style Fan 1721536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love blazers but no longer wear them.&nbsp; Since I have retired blazers do not fit into my lifestyle.&nbsp; I love cardigans as well and wear them a lot.&nbsp; I have one knitted blazer and would like more.&nbsp; I am waiting to find one that is well constructed.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721526 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:43:28 +0000 Angie 1721526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apart from a glorious and hectic Creatures of the Wind twinset, I do not wear cardigans at all. Just not my thing. I'm a pullover, jacket and coat gal.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, ALL MY CLIENTS love cardigans, have many, wear them all the time, and here's why:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/07/23/the-unstoppable-long-cozy-cardigan/">http://youlookfab.com/2015/07/.....-cardigan/</a></p> <p>The <b>knitted</b> blazer is another favourite.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721521 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:38:17 +0000 jacquez 1721521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always loved both, and blazer used to be my go-to fall jackets. But over the past few years I have soured on them, and I am going to pass on all of my good ones to my younger sister (who wears them for work).</p> <p>I think going from an office to home with kids to being a gardener has a lot to do with this. For work, if it's cool out, I stick with hoodies! My work clothes have to hold up to dirt and sharp implements. </p> <p>At home, or out and about and NOT for work, cardigans are still a big part of my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721512 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:17:17 +0000 Lisa 1721512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never sport a blazer when I am hanging around the house, but I will often pair one with jeans for the office. &nbsp;A blazer just says "work" to me. &nbsp;But cardigans, indeed they are softer and more comfy to wear (unless the blazers a ponte or other knit, then it's just as soft and comfy) and I find in the summer months, I sport cardigans more often, because they also roll up small and fit into a handbag which is easier for a/c settings. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721493 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:30:40 +0000 Diana 1721493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could have written Tanya's post word for word! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721491 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:24:38 +0000 Anonymous 1721491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The suggestions here are fabulous (and it is reassuring to know that I am not the only one that is transitioning fashion-wise).&nbsp; I think I can have the best of worlds by selecting blazers made of ponte or similar knit-like fabrics.&nbsp; Yay.&nbsp; A win.&nbsp; </p> <p>One comment.&nbsp; I have tried some of the ponte blazers sold at Nordstrom.&nbsp; Those blazers were really poorly constructed.&nbsp;&nbsp; The facing was not tacked down and it shifted with every arm movement.&nbsp; I found myself constantly checking and re-adjusting the facing which was a major distraction.&nbsp; </p> <p>I do sometimes feel matronly in some of my cardigans.&nbsp; I haven't figured out exactly what some don't work and others do work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721489 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:18:59 +0000 texstyle 1721489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't get a chance to wear either most of the time because it's just too warm here. That said, I really do like the look of a blazer. I have a soft knit one as Tanya mentioned that works for my work at home casual style. I have a couple others but they just don't get worn. I don't wear a cardigan much but I do have a couple of them. One is very warm and acts like a true jacket for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721484 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:09:41 +0000 anchie 1721484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Until couple of years ago my uniform was cardigan with the dress. But I also went through a style shift and now it is blazers with pants. And I always wear a topper, since I run very cold. So my tops are usually very basic, and my blazers are stars. This is where I invest the most actually. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721482 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:00:53 +0000 Anonymous 1721482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you, I have gone from no cardigans to several. So far it is mostly cardigans for warm weather and blazers for cooler months, but I did add a couple of warm cardigans last winter and would like to add a long one. I still have a problem buying and wearing knits and prefer a light woven, unlined jacket over a cardigan even in summer. The knit jackets seem a good compromise and not as matronly as a cardi. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721480 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:58:01 +0000 El Cee 1721480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always been attracted to blazers and jackets and they were a key part of my daily office "uniform" for many years. My work circumstances have changed a lot in the last few years. I now work primarily from home and find my more traditional blazers to be uncomfortable and restrictive... probably because I am multitasking (things like throwing in loads of laundry or prepping dinner between working on projects). Like Tanya, I am turning more to knit jackets, but I do still wear my cardigans when I want to feel "PJ cozy". I now save my blazers for use as shoulder season outerwear or for when I am attending a meeting.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721464 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:30:18 +0000 Windchime 1721464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Until a few years ago, I don't think I ever owned a blazer; all my toppers were cardigans. Since then, I've acquired a handful of blazers and jackets. There is a definite difference in how it feels to wear a blazer/jacket versus a cardigan, isn't there? Occasionally there are days when I'd planned to wear a blazer as topper, but in the morning I'm just not feeling it, and I reach for a cardigan instead. It seldom goes the opposite way.</p> <p>Like you, I doubt I would wear a blazer on a day when I was working only from home. And like Tanya and Suz, I enjoy a bit of a hybrid between blazers and cardigans, such as the slightly structured cardigan below, or a blazer made with jersey fabric. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721460 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:04:02 +0000 Suz 1721460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blazers are core to my style identity whether I'm working outside the home or not, so I must always have a few. I do try to limit my purchases, however, because I now work primarily at home and on my work at home days I rarely wear them while working. </p> <p>&nbsp;I <b>would</b> however wear a cardigan on work-at-home days in winter. I tend to like cozy and comfy for work-at-home, and structure for ventures out of the house.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having said that, cardigans are <b>not </b>part of my core style identity and on the whole I do not care for them. I am developing a fondness for the kind of garment Tanya shows -- knit blazer/ jackets or more structured cardigans like the one I got at NAS.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721457 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:56:16 +0000 Tanya 1721457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some number of years ago, maybe 7-8, I went the opposite direction.&nbsp; I have been wearing a lot of cardigans and I think I became over saturated with them. Ever since I only have a few in my wardrobe at a time and they have to be very special.&nbsp;&nbsp; Since real blazers tend to be on a dressy side for my work, my solution are the in-between species. I love wearing either blazers made of ponte or similar knitted/stretchy material (like the Gibson one attached below), or knitted jackets made of cardigan-like (but thicker) materials with a jacket shape, such as motos.&nbsp; I feel like this way I get the best of both worlds, both structure and comfort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-cardigans-vs-blazers#post-1721455 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:50:34 +0000 Anonymous 1721455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There was a time in my history when I only owned blazers (not one single cardigan).&nbsp; Over the course of the past few years, I suddenly stopped buying blazers and started buying cardigans.&nbsp; This is a huge shift.&nbsp; I was wondering if anyone else shifted their buying strategy&nbsp;similarly.&nbsp; I was also wondering if this was yet one more sign of fashion casualization.&nbsp; </p> <p>I say this because I was shopping Banana Republic this morning (40 percent off) and I was attracted to their blazers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the attraction, &nbsp;I hesitated to actually buy them.&nbsp; I wasn't certain "they fit my style any longer."&nbsp; This&nbsp;is surprising because years ago I lived in blazers and considered them a crucial part of my work uniform.&nbsp; I still wear them today, but as outer wear.&nbsp; They are the perfect length and weight for me during most winter days.</p> <p>Another thing that might factor into this change is that I recently started working from home two days a week.&nbsp; This means I only wear my work wardrobe three times a week.&nbsp; I don't <i>think</i> I would put on a blazer to work from home.&nbsp; I would very likely wear a cardigan though.&nbsp; </p> <p>Between fashion's casualization and my new work schedule, it is a confusing time for me.&nbsp; I've always maintained two wardrobes:&nbsp; one for work and one for casual.&nbsp; Over the course of the past two years or so, the proportions of each have shifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>All thoughts are welcome.&nbsp; </p>